Welcome to another edition of “Conversations with…” where we sit down with our colleagues and learn more about their career and their life outside of Cavignac. In this episode we sat down with Dea Rubner, Client Manager, as she shared some insight into both her personal and professional life.

1) Can you pinpoint a time in your professional life where you knew your career would be in insurance and with Cavignac?

My father is a successful insurance producer who loves what he does. Growing up, I have vivid memories of him bringing home fun items from his clients and telling us stories about what they do. I remember his phone ringing at odd hours with clients who had urgent questions or needed advice – he never failed to take those calls and help however he could. Those memories stuck with me, and as I went through school and entered the workforce, I realized that building lasting relationships was what would make a career fulfilling for me. I wanted to be an expert in my field, help people, and build long-term connections with my clients. My dad spoke highly of the industry, and I had seen the benefits firsthand, so I pursued insurance as my career. While I wasn’t actively looking for a new role, a recruiter contacted me with an open opportunity at Cavignac. I knew that to make a move, the prospective role would have to be at an agency that I could stay with long term. Cavignac provided all of my “wish list” items that I was previously confident were not possible to have at one agency alone: remote work with coworkers who were determined to make you feel like part of the family, endless growth opportunities, the small company feel I craved, transparency at all levels, fair compensation, a personal and educational approach with clients, and an emphasis on the highest quality of work. Truly, I could not have found a better agency to continue my career with.

2) What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I absolutely love playing pool (billiards) with friends and family. It’s challenging and strategic, and I enjoy the obstacles each game presents. I learn something new every time I play and I’m hoping to get my own pool table soon!

3) What part of your career has challenged you the most?

“You don’t know what you don’t know” always holds true, but it is particularly frustrating in a complicated field like insurance. This has been the most challenging part of my career and continues to be a huge personal focus. Thankfully, I get to work with people who collectively have hundreds of years of experience. I also work with an agency who expects and encourages team members to pursue continued education throughout their career – to the point that they provide educational PTO to their colleagues. While this has been the most challenging part of my career, I also feel as though it is the most fulfilling. I never want to stop learning, and this constantly evolving field will push me to continue to educate myself on the risks our clients face.

4) What advice would you give your younger self?

Never settle.

5) What is one thing people would not know about you by just meeting you or looking at your resume?

I have the two best dogs in the world! Leo was my first, and I adopted him from a local shelter called PACC. He could cure any bad day with his cuddles and loves to bring a toy with him to greet you with when you get home. My second is Wrigley (affectionally nicknamed “Wriggles”). He was abused as a puppy, and it took years to build the relationship that we have now. He loves soft treats, chasing lizards, and laying just far enough away from you that you can’t reach him for pets. If you’re lucky, he might back into you and allow you to scratch his butt. They make all days better, and I couldn’t ask for better coworkers as a remote employee.